Thousands attend funeral for slain Carson City cop
RENO — Several thousand mourners, many in uniform from law enforcement agencies from around the country, gathered here on Thursday to pay respects to Carson City Sheriff's Deputy Carl Howell, killed while responding to a domestic violence incident Saturday.
Howell's casket arrived in Reno on the back of a Carson City Fire Department firetruck, accompanied by a procession of vehicles from the capital that stretched several miles. Two helicopters were part of the procession as well. An honor guard carried the casket into the Reno Events Center.
Sheriff Ken Furlong said Howell, a husband and father of four, was also a Marine and volunteer firefighter.
"The warrior will emerge the hero, having saved lives by giving up his own, that ultimate sacrifice," Furlong said.
Furlong awarded Howell, 35, the Sheriff's Office's medal of honor at the service, which was attended by many officials, including U.S. Sen. Harry Reid and Gov. Brian Sandoval. Representatives of Las Vegas police also attended the service.
Howell's fellow Carson City officers told stories and fondly remembered their colleague during the service.
The man who shot Howell was Jonathan Pope, 30, who died at the scene of the domestic violence incident. Howell was taken to Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center where he died of his injuries.
Howell is the first Carson City officer to die by violence in the line of duty in more than a century. The last reported incident was the shooting death of Sheriff Timothy Smith in 1867. The Officer Down Memorial Page website reports four total law enforcement deaths in the line of duty in Carson City, the last being Deputy Sheriff Daniel McDaniel in 1963 as a result of an auto accident.
Howell is survived by his wife, Rachel, and their four children ages 7 to 12.
Carson Mayor Bob Crowell spoke directly to Howell's wife and children when he said: "Your father is a hero. He protected us and will be in our hearts forever. We will never forget his sacrifice, or the pain of his loss you feel now."
Kevin Howell, Carl's father, said his son loved to ride his motorcycle and had planned a trip with his wife. He said he now plans to make that trip with his daughter-in-law.
"I want him to rest in peace," Kevin Howell said. "I want him to watch over all of you. I'll see you later buddy."
The Howell family also expressed condolences to the Pope family, including the three children present when the incident occurred shortly after 2 a.m. on Saturday.
Howell was a nine-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office, having started there on March 17, 2006.
According to Reno police, who are investigating the incident, Carson City deputies responded to the report of a physical domestic disturbance between a man and a woman in the 4100 block of Montez Drive in east Carson City.
As deputies arrived at the scene, they met with the woman who had visible injuries as a result of a fight. While investigating the incident, Howell tried to meet with Pope, who was aware deputies had been called.
As Howell approached the door to the residence, Pope appeared armed with a firearm, police said. Pope and Howell exchanged gunfire, resulting in both men being struck. Pope was pronounced dead at the scene.
Burial arrangements were not available.
The Reno Events Center was selected for the service because there was no facility large enough to handle the number of attendees in Carson City.
Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Find him on Twitter: @seanw801
